4+1 Bachelor's to M.Ed. in Special Education

Learning Format

On-Campus, Online

Types

Accelerated 4+1
4+1 Bachelor's to M.Ed. in Special Education

How can you earn a bachelors and an M.Ed. in Special Education in five years?

With Framingham State's 4+1 program, you earn your bachelor's degree and then a Master of Education with a concentration in Special Education in about five years. The program leads to an initial license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities in Grades PreK to 8 or Grades 5 to 12.

You'll learn to support students with diverse learning needs: their literacy and numeracy, communication skills, and social and emotional learning.

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

Who can apply

  • Education majors and minors. Students in related fields can be considered with the advisor's approval.
  • Junior status with an overall GPA of 3.00
  • Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL

How to apply

Apply at the end of your sophomore year. You'll need:

  • The 4+1 program application
  • Two letters of recommendation, both from Education department faculty members
  • A 300-word personal statement on why you want a master's degree in Moderate Disabilities

To continue into the fifth year, you must pass all MTEL exams required for your license.

How the Five Years Work
  • Years 1 to 3: Complete your major and general education courses. Apply at the end of Year 2.
  • Year 4: Finish your bachelor's degree and take three graduate courses that count toward both degrees.
  • Year 5: Pass your licensure MTELs and complete your M.Ed.
Program Requirements

In your senior year, you take three graduate courses that count toward both your bachelor's degree and your M.Ed. [Which three courses?]

See the full course requirements for the M.Ed. in Special Education in the graduate catalog. [Link the Special Education (4+1) (M.Ed.) catalog record directly.]

Meet your Coordinator

Corrie Masterson

Corrie Masterson

Program Coordinator, Associate Professor, Academic Advisor, M.Ed. - Special Education
cmasterson@framingham.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 4+1 program?

A 4+1 (or 4 + 1) program lets you earn a bachelor's and a master's degree in about five years. In this program, you take three graduate courses in your senior year that count toward both degrees, then finish your M.Ed. in one more year.

How long does the 4+1 take?

About five years: four years for your bachelor's degree and one more for your master's.

Who can apply?

Education majors and minors with junior status and an overall GPA of 3.00. Students in related fields can be considered with the advisor's approval. You also need passing scores on the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL.

When do I apply?

At the end of your sophomore year.

Does this program lead to a teaching license?

Yes. It leads to an initial license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities in Grades PreK to 8 or Grades 5 to 12. You must pass all licensure MTEL exams to continue into the fifth year.

What if I decide not to continue to the master's?

Yes. The graduate courses you take in your senior year still count toward your bachelor's degree.

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